Operation Roaring Lion: Live updates

Sirens were activated Sunday morning shortly after 5:30 a.m. in central Israel following launches from Iran.

Most of the launches were intercepted, while the rest fell in open areas. No injuries were reported, except for four cases of people who were injured on their way to protected spaces. Fire and Rescue teams were called to the scene in an open area in central Israel, where a fire broke out as a result of shrapnel.

Around 6:15 a.m., launches toward southern Israel were identified and sirens were activated in the area. The projectiles were intercepted and no injuries were reported.

Later, sirens were activated in central Israel without prior warning following a launch from Lebanon that was intercepted. Shortly before 6:40 a.m., additional launches from Iran towards southern Israel were identified.

During the night, sirens were activated three times within minutes due to launches from Iran.

The sirens were heard in central Israel, the Shfela region, the Sharon region, and Samaria, and later also in the Netanya area and the Beit She’an Valley.

Most of the launches were intercepted, while the rest fell in open areas. Interception fragments fell in Holon, and a fire broke out at the scene as a result. Police from the Central District are handling the incident.

MDA paramedics provided medical treatment to two people at the scene in Holon: An approximately 80-year-old man in very light condition with injuries from glass shards, and an approximately 80-year-old woman in light condition showing signs of smoke inhalation.

In addition, MDA teams treated several people at the scene who were suffering from anxiety.

In other areas of the country where sirens were heard, no injuries were reported.

About an hour earlier, sirens were also activated in Eilat following a launch from Iran. The missile was intercepted and no injuries were reported.

In addition, sirens were activated several times in northern Israel following launches from Lebanon.

Shortly after 5:30 a.m., launches from Iran again triggered sirens in central Israel. There were no reports of injuries from impacts, but Magen David Adom paramedics treated four cases of people who were injured on their way to shelter.

Fire and Rescue teams were called to a scene in an open area in central Israel, where a fire broke out as a result of shrapnel.

Lebanese media outlets report that an apartment in the city of Sidon in southern Lebanon was struck in a targeted aerial attack.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday said US forces heavily damaged Iran’s key oil export hub, Kharg Island, during recent strikes, and hinted the US could strike the island again.

“We totally demolished Kharg Island. We may hit it a few more times just for fun," Trump told NBC News in an interview.

Trump also said the attack avoided major energy infrastructure: “I didn’t do anything having to do with the energy lines, because having to rebuild that would take years."

Trump said Iran is ready to negotiate a ceasefire but that he is not prepared to make a deal yet.

“Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet," he explained, adding that any terms will have to be “very solid."

Asked what the terms of a potential deal to end the war would be, He replied, “I don’t want to say that to you." He agreed, however, that a commitment from Iran to completely abandon any nuclear ambitions would be part of it.

The President also cast doubt in the interview on whether Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is still alive.

“I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody’s been able to show him," said Trump.

Noting that he had heard rumors about Khamenei’s condition, the President added, “I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender."

On Friday, Trump did not commit to a definitive timeline for the war in Iran, telling Fox News Radio that the conflict would end when he feels it “in my bones."

Trump added that he did not expect the war “would be long," but emphasized that only he would know when it would end.

Trump expressed optimism that the conflict would end soon but acknowledged that it could continue indefinitely if necessary. He dismissed concerns about a potential munitions shortage.

“Nobody has the technology or the weapons that we have," he told Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade in the interview. “We’re way ahead of schedule. Way ahead." He later assured that the US had “virtually unlimited ammunition. We’re using it, we’re using it. We can go forever."

On Wednesday evening, Trump spoke to reporters upon his return from a rally in Kentucky, and said Iran is being decimated and is “pretty much at the end of the line".

At the same time, Trump added that the US will not end the conflict immediately.

"They've got no Navy. They've got no Air Force. They have no systems of control. We're just riding free range over that country!" he said.

During his speech at the Kentucky rally, Trump said that the US needs to “finish the job" in the war with Iran.

He added that the Iranians “don’t know what the hell hit them. They don’t know. They got hit by the American military - they don’t know. They say, ‘What the hell is happening?’ They didn’t expect anything like this."

“We don’t want to go back every two years. Because someday there will be a time when you don’t have me as president," he added.

Police in Tel Aviv detained a local resident in his 30s for questioning on suspicion that he blocked people from entering the protected shelter in his apartment building while a missile attack siren was sounding and allegedly assaulted a woman.

According to the Israel Police, the suspect was detained shortly after a report was received at the polce call center. He was taken in for questioning and later released under restrictive conditions.

Police stressed that preventing access to a protected space during an emergency is a criminal offense. “Beyond the legal aspect, this is also a moral and ethical issue of preserving life," a police spokesperson said.

The incident drew widespread attention after a video circulated on social media. Following the public reaction, the man filmed in the clip issued a response in which he described himself as a former combat soldier suffering from PTSD.

According to his account, residents of the building have repeatedly faced problems with patrons from nearby bars occupying the building’s private shelter and locking residents out.

He acknowledged his conduct in the confrontation, saying, “I take responsibility for the physical reaction and regret it. I lost my composure." He also claimed that the video circulating online was edited and did not show the severe insults directed at him beforehand, including being called a “Nazi," which he said caused him to lose control amid the stress of the alarm.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that the Iranian military will retaliate against any attack targeting oil facilities by striking American-owned companies in the region or companies with US stakes.

Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to oil tankers and ships belonging to Iran's enemies and their allies.

On Thursday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran would "abandon all restraint" if the United States and Israel were to attack any of its islands in the Gulf.

On Friday, US forces executed a large-scale precision strike on Kharg Island, Iran, a key hub for Iranian oil exports. The strike destroyed naval mine storage facilities, missile storage bunkers, and multiple other military sites.

Following the attacks, US President Donald Trump confirmed, "Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island. Our Weapons are the most powerful and sophisticated that the World has ever known but, for reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island."

At the same time, Trump warned, "However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision."

"During my First Term, and currently, I rebuilt our Military into the Most Lethal, Powerful, and Effective Force, by far, anywhere in the World. Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack - There is nothing they can do about it!

"Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the World! Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much! Thank you for your attention to this matter."

Israel's security establishment believes that the "drips" of rocket fire from Iran may continue even beyond Passover, unless an agreement to end the war is reached before that, Channel 13 News reported.

Meanwhile, uncertainty looms over the fate of Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran's new Supreme Leader, who has been out of contact for two weeks, and sources note that, "There is no certainty about whether he is alive."

Since the start of Operation Roaring Lion, approximately 400 waves of strikes have been carried out in western and central Iran, with an emphasis on striking the Iranian regime’s fire systems and defense networks.

Over the past day, Israeli Air Force fighter jets, acting on IDF intelligence, struck more than 200 Iranian terror regime infrastructure sites in western and central Iran. The targets included dozens of ballistic launchers, some of which were loaded and ready to be launched toward Israeli territory, as well as air defense systems, launching sites, and weapons storage sites were struck.

On Saturday, the Israeli Air Force completed its 400th wave of strikes in western and central Iran. These strikes focused on the dismantling of infrastructure and targeting operatives of the fire, defense, and production units in western Iran, in order to reduce missile fire toward Israeli territory.

On Friday, IDF Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, visited a logistics center established by the Technology and Logistics Directorate in central Israel, together with the Head of the Technology and Logistics Directorate, MG Rami Abudraham, and additional commanders.

During the visit, he conducted a situational assessment with the directorate’s commanders, who briefed him on the logistical support effort for Operation Roaring Lion.

"From here, I can once again recognize the cooperation with the US Armed Forces," Zamir said. "I convey my deepest condolences for the six lives lost. Our partners in the United States are doing unprecedented work in this historic operation."

He added, "We have been in an existential war for over two years. People of the Technology and Logistics Directorate, you are providing the infrastructure for conducting this war and for the IDF’s achievements within it."

"Every one of you is a significant part of our achievements. I deeply appreciate your hard work around the clock. I trust you."

On Friday,US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that all six crew members aboard a US KC-135 refueling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq on Thursday have been confirmed dead.

In a post on social media, CENTCOM stated, “All six crew members aboard a US KC-135 refueling aircraft that went down in western Iraq are now confirmed deceased."

Earlier, the military had confirmed the deaths of four of the crew members aboard the aircraft.

CENTCOM clarified that the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire, but stated that the incident is still under investigation.

Defense Minister Israel Katz on Saturday held a situational assessment, urging the Iranian people to overturn their government.

Also attending the assessment were IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Military Intelligence Chief Maj. Gen. Shlomi Binder, Operations Division Chief Maj. Gen. Itzik Cohen, IDF Planning Directorate Chief Maj. Gen. Hidai Zilberman, Brigadier Gen. Omar Tishler, Military Secretary to the Defense Minister Brig. Gen. Guy Markizano, Head of Operations Brig. Gen. Israel Shomer, and other senior officials in the security establishment.

Speaking during the assessment, Katz said, "The global and regional struggle against Iran, led by US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is escalating, and we are entering the final stretch to their defeat, which will continue as long as necessary."

"I congratulate President Trump for the severe blow the US military delivered last night to the Iranian oil island - this is the appropriate response to the mining of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian terror regime’s extortion attempts.

"The Israeli Air Force is also continuing its powerful wave of strikes in Tehran and throughout Iran."

Katz also stressed that, "Iran is using regional and global terror and extortion to try to deter Israel and the US from continuing in the campaign - but is met with strong and unyielding steel power."

"We are entering the final stretch of the struggle, between the regime’s attempts to survive, while causing increasing suffering to the Iranian people, and its surrender. Only the Iranian people can put an end to this with a determined struggle - until the overthrow of the terror regime and the saving of Iran."

The French government has drafted a proposal to end the war in Lebanon, Axios reported, quoting three sources familiar with the details.

The proposal would allegedly require the Lebanese government to recognize Israel - a move which it has refused to take since 1948 - and declare that it wishes to negotiate non-aggression with Israel, and would also require Israel to give up the five key points it has occupied in southern Lebanon since the November 2024 ceasefire.

Israel and the US are reviewing the proposal, Axios added, noting that the Lebanese government "has accepted the plan as a basis for peace talks."

If the proposal is accepted, Israel and Lebanon would begin negotiations, backed by both France and the US, and would agree on a "political declaration" within just one month.

France would like to see the negotiations held in Paris, the sources told Axios.

The agreement itself echoes previous agreements: both sides would affirm their commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which Lebanon has failed to maintain; and the Lebanese government would again commit to both preventing attacks on Israel and disarming Hezbollah and banning it from operating south of the Litani River. Unlike the previous agreements, this time Lebanon would both recognize Israel as a country, and commit to respecting Israel's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As Israel would withdraw from areas south of the Litani River, the Lebanese Army would redeploy to the area to take its place. A US-led mechanism would both imminent threats and violations of the ceasefire. UNIFIL - the group whose complacency allowed Hezbollah's massive weapons and infrastructure buildup and which the UN voted to disband - would be charged with ensuring Hezbollah's disarmament south of the Litani River, and a group of countries from the UN Security Council would ensure the terror group's disarmament in the rest of Lebanon.

The agreement aims to end the state of war between Israel and Lebanon, and demarcate both the border between Lebanon and Syria, and the border between Lebanon and Israel, by the end of 2026.

On Wednesday, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon, said that since March 2, Hezbollah has launched more than 880 rockets and missiles, over 60 drones and more than 15 anti-tank missiles at Israel.

During the discussion, the ambassador presented a map of Hezbollah's infrastructure south of the Litani, including launch sites, weapons depots and underground bunkers, and made it clear that this is a direct violation of Security Council Resolution 1701.

Danon stated: "Lebanon now faces only two options: either the Lebanese government takes real action and restrains Hezbollah, or Israel uses its force to dismantle this terrorist organization. There is no other option."

He also said that since the ceasefire came into effect, Israel has submitted 929 enforcement requests to the Lebanese army to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, but some of the sites remained active and were being reused for launching missiles at Israel.

Ambassador Danon added: "We warned Lebanon 929 times. The terrorist infrastructure remained in the area, and the missiles were again fired at Israeli citizens."

On Thursday, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned during a situational assessment that Israel will not hesitate to begin a widescale ground operation if the threat to northern Israel does not cease immediately.

"I warned the Lebanese President that if the Lebanese government cannot control the area and prevent Hezbollah from threatening northern communities and firing towards Israel, then we will take the territory and do it ourselves," Katz said during the meeting.

"The Prime Minister and I instructed the IDF to prepare to expand the IDF's operations in Lebanon and return quiet and security to the northern towns. We promised quiet and security to the northern towns, and that is exactly what we will provide."

The statement followed Wednesday's heavy missile barrages on northern and central Israel, during which 200 rockets were fired and 120 crossed into Israel.

The IDF on Friday identified Hezbollah terrorists carrying rockets into a weapon storage facility in the Al-Majadel area in southern Lebanon.

In a matter of minutes, the Israeli Air Force struck the warehouse and eliminated the terrorists.

"The IDF will continue to operate with determination against the Hezbollah terrorist organization following its deliberate decision to attack Israel on behalf of the Iranian regime," a statement read. "The IDF will not tolerate any harm to the citizens of the State of Israel."

Meanwhile, on Friday, the IDF completed several additional waves of strikes on Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut and southern Lebanon.

Additional command centers established by the Hezbollah terrorist organization in Beirut were struck and destroyed by the IDF. This included Hezbollah command centers from which terrorists operated to advance terror attacks against the State of Israel and its residents.

Since the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion, the IDF has struck approximately 110 Hezbollah command centers, and IDF strikes in Lebanon have severely damaged the organization’s command and control capabilities, its financial situation, and the weapons in its possession.

"The Hezbollah terrorist organization systematically embeds its infrastructure within the civilian population across Lebanon," the IDF stressed. "This is another example of the organization’s cynical exploitation of Lebanese civilians for its terrorist activities."

"Prior to the strikes, measures were taken to mitigate the risk of harm to civilians, including advance warnings, the use of precision munitions, and aerial surveillance.

"The IDF is operating decisively against the Hezbollah terrorist organization in response to its deliberate decision to attack Israel on behalf of the Iranian terror regime. The IDF will not allow harm to the residents of the State of Israel."

The Israeli Air Force, acting on IDF intelligence, on Thursday struck and eliminated Hisham Abd al-Karim Yassin, a key commander in the communications unit of the Hezbollah terrorist organization and in the Palestine Corps of the Iranian Quds Force, the IDF announced Saturday.

The communications system serves as a command responsible for maintaining communication continuity within the Hezbollah terrorist organization. Among other responsibilities, it oversees the development, maintenance, and use of communication systems used by Hezbollah.

As part of his role, Yassin was responsible for strengthening the Hezbollah terrorist organization and for its re-establishment following Operation Northern Arrows. He also worked to advance Iranian entrenchment in Lebanon and carried out terror attacks under the direction of the Iranian terror regime.

"This is the fifth commander from the Quds Force and the third commander from the Palestine Corps to be eliminated since the beginning of Operation Roaring Lion," the IDF noted.

"The IDF will continue to operate with determination against the Hezbollah terrorist organization following its deliberate decision to attack Israel on behalf of the Iranian regime. The IDF will not tolerate any harm to the residents of the State of Israel."

Tucker Carlson, the American antisemitic influencer, says U.S. President Donald Trump and senior U.S. officials should be prosecuted over the decision to strike Iran.

In last night's interview Carlson said, "There are other players here. I didn't realize it would be a joint operation with a country that believes in Amalek. Whoever made that decision should be in jail."

Carlson systematically accuses Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinians. He cites, in this context, the Torah's commandment to annihilate Amalek.

In another interview Carlson said that the terrorist organization Hamas is funded by Israel, and that "everyone knows that."

In recent months Carlson visited the White House three times, but it appears he fell out of favor with President Trump, who said that he "has lost his way," no longer represents the MAGA movement', and that "Tucker is not smart enough to understand it."

As part of efforts to strengthen the defense of the residents of northern Israel, forces from the 7th Brigade Combat Team, under the command of the 36th Division, conducted targeted raids in southern Lebanon over the past week to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and eliminate Hezbollah terrorists.

So far, the 7th Brigade Combat Team eliminated dozens of terrorists and dismantled dozens of terrorist infrastructure sites, including a weapons depot, a command center, and observation posts belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization.

At the same time, the Northern Command continues preparations to deploy additional troops in the coming week, in accordance with the Chief of the General Staff’s directive.

In addition, troops from the Golani Brigade have completed their deployment, and following a period of recuperation, the Brigade is prepared for orders, in accordance with the situational assessment.

The IDF emphasized that the activity of IDF troops in southern Lebanon, as part of a forward defense posture, constitutes an additional layer of protection for the residents of northern Israel.

"The IDF will continue to operate with force against the Hezbollah terrorist organization while also striking the Iranian terror regime and its proxies," it added.

Brigadier General S., Commander of the 7th Brigade, said, "The hour has come for us once again, after months of continuous fighting in Gaza. We have been called to rise and strike the enemy that seeks to harm the residents of the north."

He added, "We will strike the enemy decisively to push the threat away from our communities and ensure the eternity of Israel. The residents are relying on us. We continue together with joy, hope, and faith."

Ben Avital, a resident of Eilat who was injured by shrapnel from an interception in the city, recounted the dramatic moments he experienced while walking with his two dogs when an air raid siren went off.

Speaking from his hospital bed at Yoseftal Medical Center, Avital told Kan Reshet Bet, "I heard the early warning and started walking toward the house, but I didn’t make it to the safe room in time."

"The siren caught us on the way, so I hid in a private parking lot between thick walls. It just fell directly on me. I heard the whistle, then the boom of a lifetime. I don’t know how I survived it, honestly."

After the explosion, he said, "They showed me a picture now, and it's 'Allah Yastur' (G-d have mercy). You can see a crater right where I was hiding with the dogs. It fell half a meter from us." As a result of the impact, Avital suffered a broken foot and deep cuts on his forehead that required stitches.

Avital also expressed to Kan Reshet Bet his deep concern for his two dogs, who were with him at the time of the explosion: "I managed to get one out of the rubble right after the blast. I couldn’t find the other because I collapsed, but they found him later, unconscious. Both are now at the vet, and I hope they make it through."

Despite the injury and trauma, Avital wished to send a message to the public: "Everyone must go to shelter. It saves lives."

Avital is currently hospitalized for further treatment and CT scans.

The IDF continues to deepen its strikes on the systems and capabilities of the Iranian terror regime, and on Friday evening, the Israeli Air Force, acting on IDF intelligence, struck dozens of Iranian terror regime infrastructure sites across Tehran.

As part of the strikes, the IDF dismantled the regime’s primary space research center, which is part of the Iranian regime's forces.

The center contained strategic laboratories used for research, including developing military satellites for a range of purposes including surveillance, intelligence collection, and directing fire toward targets across the Middle East.

The IDF also struck several Iranian terror regime aerial defense systems production sites. As part of the strikes, the IDF struck a key factory used to produce Iranian terror regime air defense systems. The strike significantly degrades the Iranian terror regime's ability to rehabilitate its aerial defense array.

"These strikes are part of the ongoing efforts focused on deepening the damage to the Iranian terror regime’s core assets," the IDF emphasized.

On Friday, the Israeli Air Force, acting on precise IDF intelligence, carried out a targeted strike in Tehran and eliminated Abdollah Jalali-Nasab and Amir Shariat, senior officials in the Intelligence Directorate of the “Khatam al-Anbiya" Emergency Command, which is directly subordinate to the leader of the Iranian terror regime.

Following the elimination of the head of the Intelligence Directorate, Saleh Asadi, during the opening blow of Operation Roaring Lion, Jalali and Shariat were appointed to replace them. The two senior intelligence commanders were key figures in the Iranian intelligence community.

In addition, both were close to the leadership of the Iranian terrorist regime.

"The intelligence branch of the 'Khatam al-Anbiya' Emergency Command is responsible for analyzing intelligence," the IDF said. "The intelligence is presented to senior officials in Iran’s security system during frequent situational assessments, on the basis of which the war against the State of Israel is conducted."

"Their elimination adds to dozens of senior commanders of the terrorist regime who have been eliminated during the course of Operation Roaring Lion and constitutes another significant blow to the regime’s command-and-control structures and its ability to manage the fighting in a coordinated manner.

"The IDF will continue to act with determination against commanders of the Iranian terrorist regime wherever necessary."

During an Israeli Air Force strike in Iran this past week, there was an attempt to down an Israeli fighter jet, which came close to being hit.

The attempt failed due to the pilot's alertness and professionalism, and the mission was successfully completed.

The incident has been investigated, and lessons have been learned.

Since the beginning of the war, there have been many attempts to down Israeli fighter jets in Iranian airspace, and the air crews have successfully dealt with the threat.

"The Israeli Air Force will continue to fly and attack wherever necessary, including over Iranian skies under threat, and will complete its missions during every operational sortie," stated an IDF spokesperson.

Defense Minister Israel Katz has approved the reopening of schools, preschools, and special education frameworks in the following areas, starting on Monday: Arava, southern Negev, western Negev, western Lachish, Dead Sea, Samaria, Jordan Valley, Beit She'an Valley, Judea, and Gaza Envelope.

Eilat will not resume school. The municipal leaders will decide whether to accept the recommendation.

In the rest of the country, the Home Front Command recommended continuing distance learning - including for Jerusalem, where the municipality claimed it had completed the preparations for reopening schools.

The areas where schools may reopen will be defined "yellow."

The opening, in any case, is expected to be gradual even within the authorities themselves. Some authorities may choose to open only preschools or only schools in the first phase, depending on the protection conditions and the availability of manpower. Additionally, opening may occur only in certain areas within the jurisdiction.

In the meantime, local authorities in Tel Aviv, Gush Dan, Central Israel, Jerusalem, Haifa, and the North are not included in the plan due to being subjected to more intensive fire. Educational institutions in these areas will continue to operate in a remote learning format.

The IDF stated: "Starting Monday, March 16, 2026, at 06:00, new defensive guidelines with differential guidelines depending on the region."

"Until that time, the current defensive guidelines will remain unchanged."

The IDF stressed that policy details and guidelines that will take effect on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 06:00, the following areas: Beit She’an Valley, the Jordan Valley, Samaria, Judea, the Dead Sea area, Western Lachish, the Gaza Envelope, Western Negev, Southern Negev, and the Arava - Moving from "Limited Activity" to "Partial Activity."

Guidelines for the above areas:

* Educational activities: Permitted at locations where it is possible to reach a standard protected space within the required protection time.

* Gatherings: Up to 50 people outdoors and 100 people indoors, provided it is possible to reach a standard protected space within the required protection time.

* Workplaces: Work activities are permitted in locations where it is possible to reach a standard protected space within the required protection time.

The Education Ministry announced that due to the ongoing security situation, the education system will continue in remote learning format for the upcoming week. According to a directive from the Home Front Command, no school will take place on Sunday across the country.

The Ministry stated that a differentiated implementation plan will begin Monday in the areas classified as yellow zones only, based on the geographical ares defined by the Home Front Command. In these areas, a phased opening of schools and preschools will be allowed, subject to the presence of protected spaces and appropriate security measures.

Regarding transportation, it was announced that initially, no organized school transport will be provided. Children are expected to arrive at and depart from educational institutions independently.

Education Minister Yoav Kisch stated, "Due to the security situation, the vast majority of the education system will operate in remote learning only. I commend the Home Front Command for adopting the policy I have advocated for all along: a limited and gradual opening plan for the education system."

He added, "This is a specific, gradual, responsible, and controlled opening plan, tailored to the differences between the authorities and the threat map, and allows for preparation time of about 24 hours in advance. Under this protected framework, we aim to operate the education system to benefit the resilience of the children, parents, and the education system itself, which is on the front lines of the Israeli home front. The education system will operate optimally to ensure that by Monday, the necessary preparations in relevant areas will be completed and the system will be ready for a gradual opening. Throughout this process, we focus on the safety and security of students and educational staff."

A 12-year-old boy was moderately injured and a 39-year-old man was lightly injured in two separate incidents in Eilat following the fall of a missile launched from Iran. Additionally, five other people suffered shock following the missile strikes.

Magen David Adom (MDA) updated that there were seven impact sites in the city, and it is estimated that the missile launched from Iran contained fragmentation munitions.

The two injured individuals were on the street and not in a protected area.

Eilat Fire Station Commander Yehuda Kazantini, told Kan Reshet Bet that "the child who was moderately injured was crossing a road at a pedestrian crossing when he was hit by missile fragments."

Dr. Yaffa Ashur, the director at Yoseftal Medical Center in Eilat, told Kan Reshet Bet that the injured child "has shrapnel in almost every part of his body, and he will need surgeries to remove the shrapnel."

MDA EMT Rotem Basodo, who arrived at the site where the child was injured, described: "There was destruction, glass, and smoke at the scene. When we arrived, they led us to a 12-year-old boy who was hit by shrapnel with limb injuries. He was in pain and scared but conscious. We immediately began giving him medical treatment, including bandages and bleeding control. We evacuated him to the hospital in moderate to serious, but stable, condition."

A fragmentation missile launched from Iran struck several towns in central Israel on Saturday afternoon, causing damage in places including Nes Ziona, Lod, and Be'er Yaakov.

No injuries were reported.

In Nes Ziona, eight impact zones were recorded, including damage to a private home, a crater in a schoolyard, and a hit to the middle of a road.

Mayor Shmuel Boxer visited one of the impact sites, stating, "This was a direct hit on an old house whose residents were not at home. The neighbors from both of the nearby homes followed instructions, went into their shelters, and were not injured. The house was completely destroyed, but thank G-d the resident was not there, and no one was injured. We are handling this in all areas, and by morning everything will be fine."

In Lod, missile shrapnel fell between several buildings near a road, causing a large explosion and smoke rising above the buildings. Footage from the area showed the damage caused to the street.

Earlier on Saturday, a fragmentation missile from Iran was intercepted outside Israeli territory, but seven "mini-bombs" impact sites were recorded in Eilat, where a 12-year-old boy was moderately injured and a 39-year-old man lightly injured.

Live updates are stopping at this time in honor of the start of Shabbat in North America, and will resume on Saturday night, upon the conclusion of Shabbat in Israel.